Background: Little is known about the intention formation process regarding the use of tracheostomy and invasive ventilation (TIV) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients in the course of disease progression. Objective: To clarify the intention formation process in the use of TIV in ALS patients for the purpose of providing decision-making support. Methods: We conducted a follow-up study of 14 patients using semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and medical records review. Results: The patients' various intentions regarding the use of TIV were formed as their symptoms progressed (e.g., declining motor, swallowing, and respiratory functions). Other factors influencing their decision were their considerations, such as their ability to communicate after receiving TIV treatment, the degree of support they would receive from professionals after TIV treatment, palliative care for physical distress, value of life after TIV treatment, and to what degree they would be a burden on their families. Conclusion: Patients' intentions regarding the use of TIV were diverse and changeable. The decision of whether or not to use TIV was made out of conviction as well as considering individual experiences of symptom progression and quality of life after TIV use.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2025 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.